Bebop Spoken There

Emma Rawicz: "In a couple of years I've gone from being a normal university student to suddenly being on international stages." DownBeat January 2026.

The Things They Say!

This is a good opportunity to say thanks to BSH for their support of the jazz scene in the North East (and beyond) - it's no exaggeration to say that if it wasn't for them many, many fine musicians, bands and projects across a huge cross section of jazz wouldn't be getting reviewed at all, because we're in the "desolate"(!) North. (M & SSBB on F/book 23/12/24)

Postage

18246 (and counting) posts since we started blogging 17 years ago. 100 of them this year alone and, so far this month (Jan. 31), 100

From This Moment On ...

JANUARY 2026

Wed 04: Vieux Carré Jazzmen @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Wed 04: Darlington Big Band @ Darlington & Simpson Rolling Mills Social Club, Darlington. 7:00pm. Free. Rehearsal session (open to the public).
Wed 04: Take it to the Bridge @ The Globe, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Thu 05: Jazz Appreciation North East @ Brunswick Methodist Church, Newcastle NE1 7BJ. 2:00pm. £5.00. Subject:Times of the Day & Trios.
Thu 05: Jeremy McMurray’s Pocket Jazz Orchestra @ Arc, Stockton. 8:00pm. Special guest Emma Wilson.
Thu 05: Tees Hot Club @ Dorman’s Club, Middlesbrough. 8:30pm.

Fri 06: Classic Swing @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 06: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Monkseaton Arms. 1:00pm. Free.
Fri 06: New Orleans Preservation Jazz Band @ The Oxbridge Hotel, Stockton. 1:00pm. £5.00.
Fri 06: Durham Alumni Big Band & Saltburn Big Band @ Saltburn Theatre. 7:30pm. £12.00. Two big bands on stage together!
Fri 06: Nauta + Littlewood Trio @ Little Buildings, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Double bill + jam session.
Fri 06: FILM: Made in America @ Star & Shadow Cinema, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Ornette Coleman.
Fri 06: Deep Six Blues @ Queen’s Hall, Hexham. 7:30pm.

Sat 07: The Big Easy @ St Augustine’s Parish Centre, Darlington. 12:30pm. £10.00. Darlington New Orleans Jazz Club.
Sat 07: Tees Bay Swing Band @ The Blacksmith’s Arms, Hartlepool. 1:30-3:30pm. Free. Open rehearsal.
Sat 07: Rendezvous Jazz @ The Red Lion, Earsdon. 8:00pm. £3.00.

Sun 08: Swing Tyne @ The Cluny, Newcastle. 12 noon (doors). Donations. Swing dance taster class (12:30pm) + Hot Club de Heaton (live performance). Non dancers welcome.
Sun 08: Am Jam @ The Globe, Newcastle. 2:00pm. Free.
Sun 08: 4B @ The Ticket Office, Whitley Bay. 3:00pm. Free.
Sun 08: Gerry Richardson’s Big Idea @ The Globe, Newcastle. 8:00pm.

Mon 09: Mark Williams Trio @ Yamaha Music School, Blyth. 1:00pm.
Mon 09: Harmony Brass @ Cullercoats Crescent Club. 1:00pm. Free.

Tue 10: Jazz Jam Sandwich @ The Black Swan, Newcastle. 7:30pm. Free.

Reviewers wanted

Whilst BSH attempts to cover as many gigs, festivals and albums as possible, to make the site even more comprehensive we need more 'boots on the ground' to cover the albums seeking review - a large percentage of which never get heard - report on gigs or just to air your views on anything jazz related. Interested? then please get in touch. Contact details are on the blog. Look forward to hearing from you. Lance

Friday, July 06, 2012

Djangologie @ Ashington Jazz Club. July 4

James Birkett (guitar), Emma Fisk (violin), Giles Strong (guitar) and Mick Shoulder (bass)
(Review by Peter S.)
Our Guest group for this evening attracted a very good audience of enthusiastic members and new faces. With the musicians warming up like athletes before the concert it was obvious that we were about to experience a superb evening.  
From the first bar we were transported imaginatively back in time to the sounds of Paris bars and night clubs. The music rekindled the ambience of Montmartre with the basilica of the Sacre Coeur towering above.  One could imagine the artists gathering up their easels and heading for the nearest café to enjoy good food and wine to the melodies of Django Reinhardt and Stephan Grappelli.  Djangologie do just that in the most professional and masterful performances.  The audience responded to the energy of brisk rhythms while listening intently to the beautiful melodic arrangements . The Quartet have formed a unique combo who are so well integrated in the pleasures of playing this most popular music format  I’m sure Django and Stephan would applaud the contribution Dajangologie make in continuing our love of this Jazz form.
We enjoyed every moment during this incredible evening during which we were offered eighteen memorable treatments of the music including three originals penned by Mick, whose attempts at a French accent were to be applauded if not understood. He was enjoying himself and his audience recognized the amusement behind each syllable.
We were also pleased to welcome as guests the dancing couple, Richard and Navella who practice Balboa Dance routines - a delightful addition to the music
I may have forgotten some of the Programme but here are the following:-Belle Ville, Django's Stomp, A Romany Dutch tune, Fru Fru or was it Poo Poo? The romantic Nuages, Autumn  Leaf, Artillery Road,, Stompin’ at Decca, Minor Swing , J' attendre, Bolero, I Dream of Autumn, Walk Musette, Beautiful Till 3, Lady be Good, The Sinister Drag, Sheik of Araby , Gypsy, Dark Eyes and the encore In My Quiet Place
The band work so hard and so well together.  Your music is much appreciated. Till the next time.
I strongly commend these fabulous musicians to you.  Djangologie will be releasing their first CD at The Sage on October 18. The members would be delighted to see you there.
We welcome your support at Ashington when after a short summer break we shall resume on Wednesday  September 5 at 8.30 p.m. at the Elephant.
Peter S. 

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